ANOTHER second-half capitulation has left Crewe Alex cut adrift at the foot of League One.

After a goalless first-half the Railwaymen conceded three goals in 11 minutes against a Colchester team who started out second from bottom.

Like the last game at MK Dons, it was the manner of the reverse that was most concerning.

Once the first goal was scored by Freddie Sears the home side visibly wilted and the game was quickly put to bed with further strikes from Rhys Healey and an own goal from debutant Alan Tate.

The result leaves rock-bottom Crewe five points adrift at the bottom and manager Steve Davis under increasing pressure, with one league win all season.

Davis made three changes to the side that was hammered at MK Dons last time out.

His new loan signing from Swansea, Tate, was put straight at the heart of defence alongside George Ray, as Thierry Audel made way.

Oliver Turton was brought in at the expense of Liam Nolan, while Greg Leigh was recalled and Vadaine Oliver dropped to the bench.

Manchester City loan man Leigh started on the left side of midfield as Davis opted for an orthodox 4-4-2. Billy Waters and Marcus Haber led the attack.

Improving Colchester were unchanged, with ex-West Ham dangerman Sears leading their line.

Waters saw an early shot held by Us keeper Sam Walker, while Ben Garratt tipped a George Moncur free-kick over at the other end on six minutes.

But it was a very tentative and nervy first 45 minutes, short on quality and confidence.

Some of Crewe's build-up play showed promise but it never really had the flow it needed to cause problems.

The final ball and clinical edge was missing, and the same could be said of the visitors.

United did force several corners but were kept at arm's length for the most part.

The game sprung into life on 40 minutes when Sears found space in the box but was denied by two excellent blocks from Anthony Grant and Jamie Ness.

And two minutes later Crewe went close when the impressive Waters got in behind the Us defence and rounded keeper Walker. His angle was acute but he hit the target only for a defender to clear off the line.

Early in the second half Leigh blazed one over after joining in an Alex attack.

Then he got on the end of a Waters cross and beat Walker with a header only to see his effort come back off the post.

Grant 's 50 minute volley was stopped by Walker as the Alex turned up the tempo.

United made a change, introducing Healey for Craig Eastmond, and on 57 minutes they hit the front against the run of play.

A low cross from the left was somehow allowed to travel all the way across the box to Sears who made no mistake from close range.

And boos rang around on 63 minutes when United made it 2-0. Sub Healey showed Ray a clean pair of heels and beat Garratt at his near post.

It was all over as a contest on 67 minutes when a burst of pace from Sears down the right easily beat Jon Guthrie and his low cross was turned into his own goal by the unfortunate Tate.

Davis brought on Brad Inman and George Cooper as the now-painful event dragged on against the wishes of everyone with Crewe at heart in the stadium.

It was comfortable for United as, again, the Alex looked devoid of ideas and hope.

Matt Tootle shaved a post on 83 minutes and Cooper blasted into the side netting soon after.

But Colchester looked more likely to add to the scoreline on the counter attack.

The final whistle was greeted by more jeers, as well as some applause for the visiting team.